She’s looking longingly at the Mediterranean, in a pareo, running one hand through her hair. He’s catching a break in Bali, narrating the montage with an Australian accent. They just got engaged, while eating breakfast, in the Serengeti. You know the posts. Just like the worlds of fashion, food, and fitness influencing, travel is no different. We want to be where they are (and by next week, preferably). But in reality, travel takes on many shapes - and most of the time, it’s imperfect; you missed the connecting flight, your kid caught the stomach flu, the art guide kinda sucked, the A/C didn’t work and…we roll with it, because the detours are part of the trip. So in the spirit of social gaslighting, I thought I would use this post to influence your next trip (flaws and all).
You: You’re desperate for a girl’s trip for some vintage shopping, luxurious sheets, and of course, beauty treatments. But your friend group has been to Paris many times.
You want to go to: Seoul. This city has all the fixins’ for a fabulous girl’s trip. First and foremost, it’s the capitol of K-Beauty, and who else will tolerate your getting PDRN injections, an aqua peel, or pore surgery more than your homies? Plus, it’s a shopping destination, so you need a crew that won’t make you feel guilty when your credit card freezes. And finally, there are so many “girl spots” like flower cafes and traditional tea houses that are primed for posting. It will just all hit different in the warm embrace of your besties.
Stay: Rakkoae Hahoe Hanok
Pack: You will need to prepare your skin for greatness with some K-beauty before hand. Beauty of Joseon’s Glow Serum is an industry insider favorite both for it’s radiance-inducing powers and it’s super low price point.
You: You’re into the art world but you’re not pretentious. You love anything that’s up-and-coming and the thrill of discovery. You’re the first in your circle to know shit and you influence them. You like to be one step ahead.
You want to go to: Dakar. With just an 8 hour flight from New York, Senegal (the most stable country in the continent, btw) is a hub for emerging artists, poppin’ night-markets, artisan made goods, deeply soulful music, and world-class surf (nerd alert: here, you’ll find a wave made famous by Bruce Brown’s cult 1966 surfing documentary, Endless Summer). Its capital should be on the radar for anyone seeking the latest and greatest creative activity.
Stay: Sekubi
Pack: Something cool but artsy like a mix-and-match set from Natalie Martin.
You: You’re Gen Z and just started to like, travel travel and want to go where everyone else is going (because you’re on social media too much).
You want to go to: Taipei. The youth are flocking here and diving into the districts that showcase the city’s more authentic side (imagine quaint, lantern-lit streets and night markets frequented by locals). They’re taking classes with t’ai chi masters and doing tea ceremonies. Gen Z is more into food than other generations due to sharing culture, and this city plays an excellent aesthetic food game (xiao long bao, fried buns, beef noodle soup, for starters). Even more so, the city’s street vendors are basically local celebrities. And, the music scene goes off, with top-tier venues for lots of J-pop and K-pop.
Stay: Capella Taipei
Pack: Onitsuka Tiger track jacket. Because you’re young. And fresh!
You: You return to Italy time and again, have made your way around Sicily, and wish the country could magically create a new region to explore.
You want to go to: Malta. While you’ll know you’re in Southern Italy because of the food (baked pasta, rabbit stew, seafood), the Baroque architecture that’s reminiscent of Eastern Sicily, and the charming narrow streets that feel Neapolitan, it’s overall vibe is actually quite different. With a language that sounds closer to Arabic, a strong British persuasion (like left-side driving and red phone booths), its really the blend of Italian, Arabic and British influences that give the country its own unique culture and visual appeal. Plus a new splashy hotel opening gives the destination all the more draw.
Stay: Casa Bonavita
Pack: La Double J Swing dress, because it’s a chic Italian brand, baby!
You: You live to travel for food but want a destination that’s not long-haul.
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